“The times that I've been the most anxious is when I was trying to prove myself to others.”
02. Your Intention is Your Direction
Cynthia McGladrey
Cynthia is an emeritus instructor of Studio Voice, Body Mapping Instructor, Director of Handbell Ringers at George Fox University.
She teaches throughout the northwest in workshops, master classes, and music educator consultations, specializing with vocal and handbell musicians. Her emphasis is sharing Body Mapping information with fellow musicians to promote balanced, efficient, and expressive movement for music educators and musicians of all ages.
Episode Themes:
Focus & intention (“Where you look is where you go”) – Attention directs physical and musical outcomes; choosing what to focus on changes performance and mindset.
Performance anxiety and reframing strategies – Anxiety often comes from proving oneself; practical reframes (focus on music/teaching) lessen self-focused pressure.
Embodied artistry & collaborative sound-making – Love of sound, ensemble singing, and how movement and sound amplify meaning — music as communal and embodied.
Resources:
Get in touch with Cynthia: cynthia@bodymap.org
Learn more about Body Mapping
Questions for Artists:
Where is my attention directed when I perform — toward the music, the audience’s reaction, or proving myself?
If I intentionally looked at my musical intention (phrasing, emotion) instead of perceived judgment, what might change in my performance?
When do I feel most anxious about performing, and what story am I telling myself in those moments?
Want to dive deeper into your own personal artistry?
Click here for the downloadable journal prompt